The two sides are locked 1-1 in the three-match series meaning that the third game in Sydney on Sunday is effectively a final.

As dominant as the Proteas were in the first match, Australia were even more so in the second. The hosts brought in Glenn Maxwell to strengthen their batting line-up, but it was the bowlers that ultimately set up the seven wicket victory for the hosts.

Their batsmen also fired, with Aaron Finch and Shane Watson both striking the ball cleanly and going at nearly 10 runs to the overs as they knocked off the well below par 102 required for victory.

The South African batsmen were bullied by the Australian pace attack. They may counter this in the final match by bringing in the fiery Marchant de Lange to give the Australians a taste of their own medicine. Wayne Parnell and Kyle Abbott have both bowled well during the first two matches, so the young Kagiso Rabada could be the man to miss out.

In terms of the batting order, they should be more comfortable on a Sydney wicket not renowned for its pace and bounce. Reeza Hendricks has looked slightly out of his depth thus far and will want to show the selectors that he has what it takes at the highest level.

Players to watch:

Shane Watson has looked in great form with the bat and has worn a broad smile throughout the series. He looks like he’s having fun and a big score in the final would cap a great return to international cricket. For South Africa, a good start will be key to their chances. Quinton de Kock is now a regular at the top of the order and he will have to take the responsibility and deliver the goods in the crunch game.

Prediction:

The Australian batting order is filled with more big hitters and by the law of averages, at least one should come off. For this reason, the hosts should claim the series.

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